Politics 2 min read By Morgan Griffin
White House Floats Nicki Minaj as Press Secretary Candidate
Communications Director Steven Cheung has floated rapper Nicki Minaj as a possible successor to press secretary Karoline Leavitt, after a video of the two chatting aboard Air Force One circulated.
The White House is reportedly weighing an unusual name for its next press secretary. On Sunday, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung floated rapper Nicki Minaj as a candidate for the job, sharing a video of himself chatting with her aboard Air Force One.
The suggestion comes as the administration looks for a new face at the podium following the departure of Katie Zacharia, whose tenure ended amid a difficult stretch of briefings. The source material describes her exit as a spectacular crash and burn, a characterization that reflects the sharp criticism she faced from reporters and observers during her time in the role.
In the video, President Donald Trump is also seen reacting to Minaj, and the clip has drawn attention for the remarks he made about her during the exchange. The source material presents the moment as a light and unexpected turn in a process that is usually handled with far more formality.
Minaj has been a visible supporter of Trump in recent years, which is why the rapper is described in the coverage as a MAGA sympathizer. Her public backing of the president has made her one of the more unexpected entertainment figures to appear in discussions about White House staffing.
It remains unclear whether the idea represents a serious consideration or a passing joke. Neither the White House nor Minaj has, based on the available material, announced any formal plan to place her in the press secretary role. Until an official appointment is made, the suggestion stands as an unconfirmed floated name rather than a staffing decision.
5
